Wigan star on NRL failure

Dan Sarginson admits his failed spell in the NRL has left him frustrated as he prepares to begin his second stint with Wigan in Super League.

The 24-year-old joined Gold Coast following Wigan’s title-winning season in 2016 but knee and shoulder injuries limited him to only six appearances last year.

Sarginson was all set to remain with the Titans for 2018 until he met up with Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan during the World Cup and secured a return to the DW Stadium.

“I still had a year left on my contract at Gold Coast so I did really want to stay out there and prove myself because there’s quite a perception that outside backs don’t really make it out there,” said Sarginson.

“I wanted to prove them wrong in that regard but I thought the move back to Wigan was right for me. I can say I’ve been out there now but I’ll always look back on it with a bit of disappointment. That’s inevitable with the injuries I had. I wouldn’t say it was through a lack of effort but it was just a real unfortunate circumstance.”

Wigan's Dan Sarginson celebrates after winning the Grand Final in 2016

The centre won three caps for England during his first spell with the Warriors and he is determined to reclaim his place in time for the three-Test series against New Zealand at the end of the year after being a spectator at the World Cup.

“It killed me a bit,” he admitted. “I went to watch the final in Brisbane and was so happy for them but you’re envious as well.

“You want them to do well but it’s always tough to watch when you want to be involved. It gives me more drive to get back in the squad.”

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Roberts doesn’t want to be compared to Hardaker

Ben Roberts is urging Castleford fans not to compare him with Zak Hardaker as he prepares to make the switch to full-back.

The 32-year-old Samoa international has made the majority of his 57 Super League appearances for the Tigers at stand-off but for 2018 will be asked by coach Daryl Powell to fill in for Hardaker, who is facing the prospect of a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine.

“I sat down with Daryl a week after the Grand Final to discuss what he was thinking in terms of where I'm going to play and at the moment it's full-back,” Roberts said. “It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.

“The one thing I’ve learnt about myself coming over to England and playing under Daryl is to not be so one-dimensional with my game. He obviously sees some potential in me to play full-back and do a good job so to have the belief of our head coach is all I need.

“Zak had a big impact on our team last year but you can’t really compare the two of us, we’re two completely different players. I’ll sit down with Daryl and talk about where my strengths are and where I can bring them into the team. Hopefully I'll be able to make enough of an impact to get the team forward and do well.”

Castleford are currently on a warm-weather training camp in Lanzarote to finalise their preparations for their opening match at St Helens on February 2.

Page set for Super League?

The forward was linked with Hull KR the last time they were in Super League and whilst there is no suggestion he's off to Rovers at this point, the Robins are looking to add more strength to their pack.